Apparatus and technique for combustion of methanol or similar fuels

Abstract

Apparatus for combustion of methanol and similar fuels comprising first combustion apparatus receiving a supply of methanol or similar fuel for heating thereof and removing the water content thereof, thereby producing steam, second combustion apparatus disposed above the first combustion apparatus and in fluid communication therewith for combustion of hydrocarbon fuel resulting from the operation of the first combustion apparatus; and utilization apparatus receiving steam from the first combustion apparatus.

I claim: 
     
       1. A technique for combustion of methanol or other alcohol based fuel containing a high percentage of water, comprising the steps of: feeding methanol or other alcohol based fuel to a first combustion chamber;   heating methanol to about 250° C. or other alcohol fuel to convert it to steam and a hydrogen fuel in said first combustion chamber;   passing the resultant hydrocarbon fuel upwardly to a second combustion chamber for combustion thereof and burning said hydrocarbon fuel in said second combustion chamber to produce heat;   supplying the steam from said first combustion chamber horizontally to utilization apparatus for heating a fluid thereby; and     supplying combustion products from the second combustion chamber to a heat exchanger for heating of a fluid thereby.